Autumn week 2  

In our English lessons this week we have been exploring the text of Rose Blanche. Thinking carefully about how Rose feels during different events in the story, we wrote a diary entry. We ensured that our diary entry included Rose’s thoughts and feelings about the soldiers taking over her town in Germany and used thesauruses to improve our vocabulary to have greater impact on the reader. We have also written a contrast poem where we compared Rose to one of the German soldiers. Through using antonyms, we were able to write a poem of contrasting feelings and thoughts.  

Our Maths lessons have been based around place value. We have been learning how to read and compare numbers above one million. Using place value grids, we have been able to introduce decimal numbers and have been using the more than and less than symbols to compare these numbers.  

During Science, we started our Evolution and Inheritance topic where, children began to explore how animals have evolved throughout time in order to survive in their environment. We thought carefully about how camels have adapted to suit the very harsh,  hot environment of the desert.  

Through talking about anti-racism and how we can be anti-racist in our actions, we have created a piece of artwork. We used photographs of people from different races and created a collage to represent that we are all part of the human race. We had very mature discussions about racism and respected each other’s views and opinions.  

English (Rose Blanche)  

“I really enjoyed writing the poem because it allowed me to show my creativity. I liked writing it about the Rose Blanche story because the pictures helped me to have a clear image in my mind.”  

“My writing was improved because I was taught how to use semi-colons in a list. I used some amazing adjectives to describe the items in my sentence.”  

Science (Evolution and Inheritance)  

“The adaptation song about the camel helped me to understand how camels have adapted to suit their environment.”  

PE (multi-sports)  

“I enjoyed the PE because it was made fair for everyone.” 

Autumn One Week 1 

In our English and art this week, we have based our learning around the poetry book ‘The Lost Words’.  We studied several poems with a focus on vocabulary then chose one we would like to focus on. We developed our vocabulary linked to this ‘lost word’, using the laptops, drafted our own version of the poem and then worked hard to produce a final version for our base display. We can’t wait to share it with you on our showcase day in October! In the afternoons, we sketched our own artwork based around the spectacular artwork in the book. We added colour and definition to our artwork using the watercolour paints. 

In Maths, our learning has been based around addition and subtraction. We built on our previous learning during our time at MJS and completed some challenges to further develop our learning.  

In the afternoons, we have completed learning in PSHE with a focus on respect and anti-racism.  On Wednesday afternoon, we were visited by the Lancashire Prevent Team, for a workshop on respect and tolerance.  The children have discovered new vocabulary and learnt about showing respect both in school and our local community. 

Finally, to wrap up a wonderful first week, we went on a school trip to Canalside. The children had great fun and completed activities such as canoeing, bushcraft and fire lighting, archery, orienteering and team building games. The weather stayed sunny for us and the behaviour of the children was exemplary.  

The Lancashire Prevent Team (PSHE): 

“These are some of the most respectful children I have ever come across. Their behaviour is the best I have experienced in a school.” 

Maths (formal method of subtraction): 

"I now understand how to exchange when solving subtraction problems and how to properly set out the questions using place value. It really helped when Miss Avery gave me the number grid."  

Canalside visit: 

“I have never had a toasted marshmallow before, it was very yummy! One of my favourite parts was standing up in the canoe. I felt scared at first, but I’m glad I was brave.” 

Autumn One Week 2 

In our English this week, our learning has been based around the book ‘Rose Blanche’. We have analysed new vocabulary, made inferences about what we have read and then written a descriptive setting, using accurate punctuation, antonyms and formal and informal language.  Our guided reading has also been linked to WWII as we have been studying a non-fiction text and analysing its features.  

In Maths, we have been developing our knowledge and understanding of place value. We have worked with numbers with three decimal places and compared and ordered numbers with millions using inequality signs.  

In the afternoons, we have completed learning based around our school values with a focus on respect and anti-racism and created collages.  In our science work, we have started looking at how animals have adapted to their environment, with a focus on the camel!  We started our art topic by researching the artist Lubaina Himid. Junior Jam joined us on Monday afternoon and we had fun learning how to play the keyboard, participating in multi-sports and  using iJam in computing.  On Wednesday, Mr Little from Darwen Vale visited year six to talk to them about the opportunities available at Darwen Vale. The children were very grown up and asked some sensible questions.  

Behaviour, effort and work ethic have been amazing and Miss Regan, Mrs Bell and I are very proud of our class.  

Mr Little (DVHS): 

“Your behaviour has been impeccable and you have shown what a fantastic year group you are .” 

Maths (Place value): 

"I feel so much more confident when comparing decimal and fraction place value " – Teigan  

English (Rose Blanche): 

“The book is really interesting and I’m really enjoying it” - Darcy. 

“World War II is really interesting and I love our guided reading book” - George. 

Autumn One Week 1 

In our English this week, we have studied the poetry book ‘The Lost Words’. We analysed several poems with a focus on vocabulary then chose our favourite one. We then researched vocabulary linked to this ‘lost word’, drafted our own version of the poem and then practised our handwriting skills when copying up our neat version for display. We can’t wait to share it with you on our showcase day in October! 

Linked to this topic, we also sketched our own artwork, taking inspiration from the magnificent artwork in the book. We then used watercolour paints to add detail to our sketches. 

In Maths, we have focused on consolidating some of our previous knowledge on addition and subtraction. Many of the children then challenged themselves to complete some tricky problem solving linked to our learning over the week. 

In the afternoons, we have completed learning based around our school values with a focus on respect and anti-racism.  We have learnt some key terminology, held discussions (showing wonderful maturity) and completed some roleplay scenarios. On Wednesday afternoon, we were visited by the Lancashire Prevent Team, for a workshop on respect and tolerance.  

Finally, to wrap up a wonderful first week, we went on a school trip to Canalside. The children had great fun and completed activities such as canoeing, bushcraft and fire lighting, archery, orienteering and team building games. The weather stayed sunny for us and the behaviour of the children was exemplary.  

A fantastic first week in 6L! 

The Lancashire Prevent Team (PSHE): 

“These are some of the most respectful children I have ever come across. Their behaviour is the best I have experienced in a school.” 

Maths (addition and subtraction): 

"I’m really glad we did this work again because I used to find subtraction tricky.  I listened hard and with a bit of help from Miss Regan, I feel more confident now."  

Canalside visit: 

“My favourite part was the lighting fires. I have never done that before and jumped when I created a spark! It was really good fun and I got marshmallows by the fire.”